Check the scheme’s definition of a child
An orphan pension is a payment under a pension scheme after an insured parent or carer dies. Whether a foster child or stepchild is covered depends on the applicable conditions. Care, financial support, registration and when the family relationship began may matter. A foster-care agreement alone does not automatically prove entitlement under every scheme.
Ask for written confirmation of cover, whether registration is required and which documents are needed. For example, Pensioenfonds ING expressly requires registration of foster children. Do not treat that condition as a rule for every fund without checking.
Age and transition to the new rules
Orphan pension under the new pension rules has an end age of 25. Cover before retirement is based on an agreed salary percentage, with a fiscal maximum of 20% per child and 40% for a full orphan. A maximum is not a promised payment. Existing rights and schemes that have not yet transitioned may have different conditions; check the transition date and scheme rules.
Parenthood differs from parental responsibility
Legal parenthood, recognition, adoption and parental responsibility are distinct legal concepts. A guardian does not automatically become a legal parent. Adoption can establish legal parenthood; it is not merely a transfer of parental responsibility without changing the legal family relationship. Ask a family-law specialist to assess a particular family situation if it is uncertain.
SVB orphan benefit is a separate provision
SVB’s Anw orphan benefit differs from an orphan pension provided by a fund or insurer. It generally concerns the death of the last parent, with insurance conditions and additional requirements for ages 16–21. Do not apply the pension age limit of 25 to this SVB benefit.
Keep the administrator’s written confirmation and recheck cover when changing jobs, ending participation or changing family circumstances.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does guardianship automatically prove orphan-pension entitlement?
No. Parental responsibility and legal parenthood differ; the applicable pension conditions need a separate check.
Does SVB orphan benefit also run to age 25?
No. SVB benefit has its own conditions and does not run to 25 under the Wtp.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.